A NEW book will shine a light on the latest developments of iconic cinema the Electric Palace. 

The cinema reopened a year ago, following a major refurbishment, the Grade II* listed cinema.

The new book, by Chris Strachan, will be looking at the four year restoration. 

In 1979, Mr Strachan wrote his first version of what would become a well-received and quick selling reappraisal of the history of the Electric Palace. 

The book featured the beginnings of the venue in 1911 through to its closure and abandonment in 1956 up to the restoration in the 1970s. 

In the latest book, the author adds to the cinema’s history by looking into the intervening years including the four year refurbishment project. 

Supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and English Heritage with £1.7million, the renovations started in 2018 and aimed to take care of vital ceiling repairs. 

During these essential works, additional issues arose. 

Asbestos was discovered in the ceiling, the pandemic forced its closure, and a burst water pipe forced the cinema to stay closed an additional 12 months until its reopening in spring 2022. 

Chris Strachan, founding trustee of the Harwich Electric Palace Trust and author of the book said: “It has been an enjoyable process reviewing the original content of the book and bringing the story up to date”. 

The cinema hosted many remarkable visitors, like Queen Elizabeth II, as well as cinema icons such as Terence Davies and patron Clive Owen. 

It has also made its own appearance in TV and film productions like Downtown Abbey and Blue Peter. 

Michael Offord, operations manager at the Electric Palace said: “It is wonderful to be able to celebrate the successful restoration of the cinema with the publication of an updated history”. 

Next to regular screenings, the Electric Palace offers dementia and autism friendly screenings, which are organised by an education and community engagement officer. 

This special programme is aiming to reach more people and making the cinema experience more inclusive and accessible. 

The building is one of the world’s oldest and least altered purpose-built cinemas and an iconic venue, attracting tourists all year round. 

The latest version of Electric Palace Harwich can be bought via the cinema’s website or at the box office with all proceeds going towards the cinema.